Wataniya Maldives names new boss

South Asia Media Net

Date :  2/24/2011 12:00:00 AM

Local telecommunication company Wataniya Telecom Maldives appoints Ibrahim Haleel as its chief executive officer. Mr Haleel was serving as the Managing Director of the Maldives National Broadcasting Corporation.

MALE: Wataniya stressed that Haleel, with the years of experience in media, is a very capable candidate to head the company.

The company further noted the years of experience Haleel has in the fields of media content and interactive media.

The Wataniya Telecom Maldives’ Chairman and Board of Directors, working at the head office of QTel, analyzed Haleel’s qualifications and experience before choosing him, the statement added.

Chief Operating Officer Abraham Smith earlier headed Wataniya. Smith led the company “through exceptionally successful times,” the company added.

Seven political parties sign agreement with state media for airtime

DATE: 2009-03-22 

Seven political parties signed agreements with Television Maldives and Voice of Maldives on Friday to buy airtime for campaigning.

The agreement, which states 15 minutes of airtime would cost Rf2500, was signed by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), People’s Party (PP), People’s Alliance (PA), Jumhooree Party (JP), Quaumee Party, and the Social Liberal Party (SLP).

Speaking at the function held at Voice of Maldives, the Managing Director of Maldives National Broadcasting Corporation (MNBC) Ibrahim Khaleel said that the offer was open for all political parties but that the opportunity would be available only to those parties that attended the function to sign the agreement.

Khaleel further said that the political program would still be named “Siyaasee Fenda” and that the opportunity had not been made available because of the upcoming parliamentary elections. He said that political parties will always have messages that they wanted to convey to the public and so it was their way of facilitating the process.

Those parties that signed the agreement would be given equal opportunity until 4th of April; after that only those members who are contesting in the parliamentary elections would be given the airtime, Khaleel said.

Although the Islamic Democratic Party had also sent a representative to the function, IDP’s Ahmed Niyaz had crossed out the agreed airtime buying rate on the agreement before signing it. The IDP’s agreement papers had consequently been invalidated.

MNBC: Rf7 million remain unpaid to State media

DATE: 2009-03-31

Various companies still owed Voice of Maldives and Television Maldives a total of Rf7.62 million in unpaid bills, the Maldives National Broadcasting Corporation (MNBC) has said.

Speaking on the anniversary edition of the “Raajje Miadhu” program on TVM, the Managing Director of MNBC Ibrahim Khaleel said that the invoices had been made during the last 14 years. Khaleel said that the Rf6.6 million owed to TVM and Rf1.02 owed to Voice of Maldives in unpaid bills were the ‘scariest things’ he’s faced since he took charge of the MNBC.

“The money is something that is owed to the government, the country,” he said. “Going through the documents I’ve noticed that not enough effort had been put into recovering the money. Those who use our service should pay for the service.”

He further said that during the time when pay-channel TVM Plus had been in operations, 436 customers who had purchased the digital decoders still owed Rf880,000 in unpaid subscription fees.

State media to remain under MNBC despite law stating otherwise

DATE: 2010-07-13 

MALE, July 13, 2010 (HNS) – The government will not dissolve Maldives National Broadcasting Corporation (MNBC) which manages state media regardless of a parliament decision to transfer its entities to Maldives Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), President Mohamed Nasheed’s Political Advisor Hassan Afeef revealed Monday.

The assets, employees, and land used by state media organisations belong to MNBC which was established under a presidential decree, Afeef told journalists at the President’s Office. The corporation currently manages Television Maldives (TVM), Youth TV, Voice of Maldives (VOM) and Raajje FM.

The government’s comments came immedately after the parliament rejected current MNBC Chairman Mohamed ‘Madulu’ Waheed and Managing Director Ibrahim Khaleel while endorsing nine people for MBC’s Directors Board created by the Maldives Broadcasting Corporation Act passed by the parliament on April 6 and ratified by President Nasheed on April 20.

The government would assist MBC, Afeef said, but MNBC would continue to function

MNBC rebrands state media channels

DATE: 2010-08-10

MALE, August 10, 2010 (HNS) - Maldives National Broadcasting Corporation (MNBC) Tuesday changed the name of Television Maldives (TVM) to "MNBC One." Under the rebranding process, the company also changed the name of Voice of Maldives (VOM) to "Raajje Radio."

The move comes days after Maldives Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) formed under Maldives Broadcasting Corporation Act announced that all the assets, employees, and land used by state media organisations belong to the company and MNBC was using the assets against law.

In a special ceremony held at Holiday Inn Male a while ago, First Lady Laila Ali re-inaugrated the two channels.

The company noted that the rebranding was a milestone in its plans for improving the two state media channels.

The government decided to continue running MNBC which was established under a presidential decree, after the parliament rejected current MNBC Chairman Mohamed ‘Madulu’ Waheed and Managing Director Ibrahim Khaleel from the Directors Board of MBC.

MNBC also decided to sell 40 percent of its shares to island councils and 20 percent to the public.

Wataniya Maldives appoints former MNBC MD as CEO

DATE: 2011-02-23

MALE, February 23 (HNS) – Local telecommunication company, Wataniya Telecom Maldives, has appointed Ibrahim Haleel as its CEO.

A statement issued last evening by the company said Haleel, who was serving as the Managing Director of the Maldives National Broadcasting Corporation (MNBC), would take over the post on March 1.

Wataniya stressed that Haleel, with the years of experience in media, is a very capable candidate to head the company.

The company further noted the years of experience Haleel has in the fields of media content and interactive media.

The Wataniya Telecom Maldives’ Chairman and Board of Directors, working at the head office of QTel, analyzed Haleel’s qualifications and experience before choosing him, the statement added.

Chief Operating Officer Abraham Smith earlier headed Wataniya. Smith led the company “through exceptionally successful times,” the company added.

My Favorite Sport-Soccer. Masood Ali

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Many in the Maldives know me as a staff member of Dhiraagu or others know me as a TV presenter. Now some may associate me with DhiTV. But not many know me as a great fan of soccer, including even my closest friends. When my friends know how current I am with what is happening in different soccer leagues, some are surprised and can not believe. My very close friend Khaleel, once told me while talking on DhiFM morning show that he strongly feels that I should now become a soccer coach.

Since the famous World Cup of 1986, I have been following soccer. I am fortunate to host TVM live coverage of World Cup 1998 and Euro 2000 which increased my interest in it.

However, back then it was very difficult to follow it. What I knew was only based on what the famous local sports journalist, Imad would tell me. Now with the introduction of Cable TV and Internet in the Maldives, all your need is available.

I am a great fan of Zidane and Thierry Henry. Would you believe that I have a big poster of Henry in my living room?

I support France and follow English Premier League. I watched almost all Arsenal matches in the last 3 seasons of the Premier League . You know now, that I support Arsenal.

One thing I have not been able to answer is, why I support Arsenal. I know from my heart, I am happy when they win and sad when they lose, and when I know that they can not win the title, I lose interest in the whole competition.

DhiTV Officially Inaugurate

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

The first private television channel in the Maldives, DhiTV was officially inaugurated by President Gayoom on 1 July at a ceremony held at Dharubaaruge.

DhiTV was founded by local business tycoon Mr. Champa Mohamed Moosa. His partners in the project include Khaleel, Nawaal and Masood, all come from TV backgoround. Although DhiTV was officially inaugrated on 1 July, it began broadcasting on Friday 16 May. Prior to this, the only local TV channel was the state owned TV station, TVM.

Presently DhiTV is being broadcast via cable, and parent company Broadcasting Maldives has already announced plans to move in to satellite transmission in the future. The channel will host all general varieties of programming, running from 2:00 pm to 12:00 am. You can now watch DhiTV on channel 50 MediaNet and 3 on BNet.

How I started my TV carrier? Masood Ali

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

When I was in school, I was into public speaking and debating. It was something I really liked, and did very well. However, after school only few occasions I was on stage.

I was working in Maldives Ports Authority in mid 90s, and one day a dear friend of mine, late Ali Niyaz came to me and said, Mauhadhu, is organizing a debating competition among past pupils associations, and he wanted EPSS past pupils to takes part, and requested me, if I would want to be part of it. I told him, I have on been on stage for a long time, but will surely take part.

I did very well at the competition, and won 3rd place among all participants. After the competition, we recorded a debate for TVM, and it’s this debate that gave me the chance to break into TVM.

Although, I knew Tayyib even before, after the debate Tayyib produced a series of programs with me. All my earlier shows were religious programs.

I can say, it all started because of Ali Niyaz, and Tayyib. Although I was comfortable on stage, it took me a while to get comfortable on camera.

I took a great interest as a TV presenter, and soon I was offered many shows. I was very lucky to have to host most the shows with Khaleel, who already was an experienced and admired presenter. 

Police summon minister for questioning

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

by Ibrahim Mohamed, Minivan News 

A minister and state minister were summoned to the police station for questioning on the request of criminal court following a poll on state television earlier this month, which the court deemed disrespectful towards the judiciary.
Dr Ahmed Ali Sawad, the minister of tourism, arts and culture, and Thoyyib Mohamed Waheed, the state minister, were questioned along with the programme’s presenter, Adam Miqdhah, and Ibrahim Khaleel, the managing director of the Maldives National Broadcasting Corporation.
The court requested a police investigation on 10 June after Television Maldives (TVM) aired a programme, “Q&A with Miqdhah”, asking viewers whether they thought the ongoing legal dispute over Herathera Resort remained unresolved because the courts were too slow; 70 per cent of viewers said yes.
Speaking to Minivan News today, Sawad said police informed him they wanted to verify a few details, but he chose to remain silent.
“I was quite surprised. I didn’t expect it in this day and age, when we are struggling for our fundamental rights for freedom.”
Sawad said he could not comment on the programme as he had not watched it.
Miqdad said he too chose to remain silent during the police interrogation. He added he was unsure whether the investigation was being conducted because of the views expressed on the show or the poll.
TVM Deputy General Mohamed Asif said he did not understand why the investigation was necessary.
“From Haveeru Daily, I learnt that the judge wanted to clarify whether we had disrespected the court on purpose,” he said.
In an interview with the newspaper on 11 June, Judge Abdullah Mohamed said the poll would tarnish the reputation of the judiciary and foster a perception that the courts were incompetent.
The president’s office released a statement today, expressing concern over Sawad being questioned by police.
“At a time when international parties have noted that the media is very free in the Maldives and are congratulating the country for it, the president believes incidents like this could negatively impact their view of the country,” the statement reads. “Further, this is an obstacle to ministers freely carrying out their responsibilities.”

MDP Presidential Primary debate concluded successfully

Thursday 24 April 2008

The historic live debate between Maldivian Democratic Party's presidential primary candidates concluded successfully last night. The event was organised by DhiFM and was broadcast live on both DhiFM radio as well as on national TV, TVM. Presented by Khaleel and Masood, the debate was a complete success and covered a whole range of topics related to their campaign. In addition to policy questions on how each of the candidate would solve major public issues, such as housing, health, education and transport, questions were asked on various aspects of the democratic campaign which is expected to produce the first ever multiparty elections in the Maldives within the next 12 months.

The event was sponsored by Round One Bookshop and the organisers had to pay TVM for the broadcast, despite the fact that this was a

Maldives First Private TV Broadcasts Test Signal Via Cable

Monday, 19 May 2008 16:57 Haveeru

 

Maldives Broadcasting Company's DhiTV has started broadcasting its test signal. This is the first time that a private company in Maldives has broadcast a TV signal.
 
The managing director of the company, Ibrahim Khaleel said DhiTV's test signal had begun on Friday [16 May] and could be seen by MediaNet and B-Net cable subscribers, Channel 50 and 3 respectively.

"The test signal is being sent to check the audiovisual quality and to confirm other technical stuff," he said. "Occasionally you might see someone speaking live on the channel, that's just for testing though." He added that they might occasionally show songs on the channel also for testing purposes.
Khaleel said that although the test signal had begun transmitting it was still not confirmed when the official launching of the service will be. He said that once the test signal had served its purpose and they had managed to gather all the information they required from it, an official launch date would be announced.
The Maldives Broadcasting Company has said that DhiTV will show news, current affairs programmes, sports, entertainment shows and programmes aimed towards creating awareness about different issues, and programmes aimed specifically for the youth.
"Our programmes will be aimed towards all age denominations and both genders," said Khaleel, who is also a senior official at the DhiFM radio channel.
The company also said that even though currently they were providing the service via cable TV networks, in the future they planned to broadcast via satellite too.
"We are finishing up the technical aspects of the project," Khaleel said. "Everything from stage designing, equipment installation, testing are all being done by Maldivians."
The Maldives Broadcasting Company was licensed to broadcast by the Information Ministry in December last year. They began sending their test TV signal five months after. The Information Ministry has also issued broadcasting licences to Villa TV and Atoll TV.
Courtesy: Haveeru

National Broadcasting Corporation established

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

President Mohamed Nasheed has established Maldives National Broadcasting Corporation Limited and appointed members to the Board of Directors. The Corporation was established as a government companies with hundred percent government shares.

Madulu Mohamed Waheed was appointed as the Chairman of the Corporation and Ibrahim Haleel was appointed as the Managing Director.

Other members appointed to the Board are: Aminath Najeeb; Ahmed Naseer; Mariyam Waheeda; Abdulla Haseen; Adam Shareef and Mohamed Yasir.

DhiTV starts broadcasting test signal

Maldives News Bulletin, 25-05-2008
19 May: Maldives Broadcasting Company’s DhiTV has started broadcasting its test signal. This is the first time that a private company in Maldives has broadcast a TV signal. The Managing Director of the Company Ibrahim Khaleel said DhiTV’s test signal had begun on Friday and could be seen by MediaNet and B-Net cable subscribers, channel 50 and 3 respectively. “The test signal is being sent to check the audio visual quality and to confirm other technical stuff,� he said. “Occasionally you might see someone speaking live on the channel, that’s just for testing though.� He added that they might occasionally show songs on the channel also for testing purposes. Khaleel said that although the test signal had begun transmitting it was still not confirmed when the official launching of the service will be. He said that once the test signal had served its purpose and they had managed to gather all the information they required from it, an official launch date would be announced. The Maldives Broadcasting Company has said that DhiTV will show news, current affairs programs, sports, entertainment shows and programs aimed towards creating awareness about different issues, and programs aimed specifically for the youth. “Our programs will be aimed towards all age denominations and both genders,� said Khaleel, who is also a senior official at the DhiFM radio channel. The company also said that even though currently they were providing the service via cable TV networks, in the future they planned to broadcast via satellite too. “We are finishing up the technical aspects of the project,� Khaleel said. “Everything from stage designing, equipment installation, testing is all being done by Maldivians.� The Maldives Broadcasting Company was licensed to broadcast by the Information Ministry in December last year. They began sending their test TV signal five months after. The Information Ministry has also issued broadcasting licenses to Villa TV and Atoll TV.

Visit of Minister of State for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mr. Thoyyib, to Japan

Minister of  State  for Tourism, Arts and Culture,  Mr. Thoyyib Mohamed Waheed,  departed  Tokyo  this  afternoon,  after  the  completion  of  his  official  visit. During his short visit to Japan, State Minister Thoyyib, in his capacity as the  current President of the Asia Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) General Conference, participated in the 47^th General Assembly session of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) and associated meetings held in Tokyo from  14 to 20 October 2010.
During the visit, State Minister Thoyyib also paid a courtesy call on Hon. Mr. Hideo Hiraoka, State Secretary for Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan and held talks with Vice Minister for Policy Coordination (International Affairs ) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication , Mr. Tetsuo Yamakawa , and other senior technical officials of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication and NHK regarding the possible adoption of the Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting (ISDB-T) system of Japan by the Maldives .
State Minister Thoyyib also met with the President of NHK International, Mr. Mamoru Morohoshi, and senior officials from NHK Media Technology team and discussed how NHK and the Maldives could cooperate and also the possible adoption by the Maldives the Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting (ISDB-T) system of Japan. .
As the State Minister responsible for Tourism, Mr. Thoyyib also used his visit to Tokyo to interact with the travel industry and granted an interview to the biggest and most popular diving magazine in Japan “Marine Diving Magazine”. State Minister Thoyyib visited the Meji Memorial Hall and witnessed its Bridal Fair and the Maldives promotion event organized by ClubMed Japan in collaboration with the Embassy of the Maldives in Tokyo. he also hedl consultations with the Manager of Sri Lankan Airlines in Tokyo on conducting joint promotional event in Japan.
Mr. Ibrahim Khaleel, Managing Director of Maldives National Broadcasting Corporation (MNBC), who is also attending the 47th session of the General Assembly of the Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union (AUB) and associated Meetings,  accompanied State Minister Thoyyib to all the above meetings.

President Inaugurates Broadcasting Dhivehi Translation of Quran on MNBC One

01 February 2011, Ref: 2011-105

 At a ceremony held at the President’s Office this morning, President Mohamed Nasheed inaugurated broadcasting Holy Quran with Dhivehi translation on MNBC One.

In his remarks at the ceremony, President Nasheed said, as the Maldivian identity was being redefined, the government’s priority was ensuring that Islamic values, human rights and culture and national heritage were the pillars of the new national identity.

Rejoicing MNBC One initiative to broadcast Dhivehi translation of the Quran, he said, as the public broadcaster, MNBC One has an important role in shaping national identity.

Furthermore, the President highlighted safeguarding freedom of expression as paramount to the advancement of Islam and to ingrain Islamic faith in our hearts.

Managing Director of Maldives National Broadcasting Corporation Ibrahim Khaleel briefed on the work being done to narrate Dhivehi translation to air on MNBC One.

Dhivehi translation of Quran is narrated by Chief Operating Officer of MNBC One Mohamed Asif.

Following the launch today, Holy Quran on MNBC One will be aired with Dhivehi translation.

Haarudhan Saandu

Managing Director Ibrahim Khaleel resigned from MNBC - Dhivehi News 14:00 hrs (22 feb 2011)

Wataniya confirms appointment of MNBC chief as new CEO

By Minivan News

Mobile operator Wataniya has confirmed the appointment of former head of the Maldives National Broadcasting Corporation (MNBC), Ibrahim Khaleel, as the company’s new CEO in the Maldives.

“The Board of Directors have welcomed iconic Maldivian figure, [Ibrahim] Khaleel to take the helm as we push forward in our voyage,” Watanyia said in a statement. Khaleel, the company said, had “years of experience in the media industry, most recently as the charismatic Managing Director of MNBC.”
“Mr Khaleel has the strong professional credentials and proven ability to lead performance-driven teams. He brings with him a ‘war chest’ of local experience, especially in terms of rich media content and customer interactive media.”